Armistice Talk: NZ's WWI Tunnellers Beneath Arras, France - Guest Speaker

Walking backwards into the future - Ka mua, ka muri – Avancer, le regard tourné vers le passé

This is a post-Armistice Day talk about the New Zealand miners from Waihi and Coromandel who dug the 12-mile network of tunnels under the French town of Arras during World War 1. These tunnels created a tactical advantage for Allied troops, who were able to get close to enemy trenches unseen.

The guest speaker will be NZ Tunnelling Company historian Sue Baker-Wilson.
Sue is a passionate believer in the duty of memory and a strong advocate for the enduring friendships that help forge a better future for all. 

She has rigorously researched this chapter in the history of France’s relations with New Zealand and with the Cook Islands. She has shone a light on the Forgotten 43 - forty soldiers from the Māori Pioneer Battalion, plus three Cook Islanders. However, she has been particularly instrumental in ensuring that the Arras France – Waihi New Zealand - Cook Island links and friendships are not just footnotes set in the past. They are foundations that have relevance today and will continue in the future. Wellington’s most recent tunnel is named the Arras tunnel, and a memorial canoe is currently being carved by Māori sculptors in Rotorua for the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Arras in 2027.

Sue is also the person who recovered the name of the first NZ Expeditionary Force member to die on the Western Front, and who enabled his grave to be officially recognised.  He was Sapper Michael Tobin. Before the war he worked for the Public Works Department at Mt Maunganui and lived in Tauranga.

In April this year, France paid tribute to Sue’s work and dedication to the preservation and protection of this shared history and bestowed on her their award of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters).

When :  Monday 16th November 7pm-9pm
Where : The new Tauranga City Library,  Waihīrere Room (ground floor), 95 Willow Street, Tauranga. NB: No parking fees in the city after 5pm.

Cost :  Koha
Register:  Please register for catering purposes.
A light supper : Tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits will be served.
Any questions :  Contact Shelley shelley@lovefrench.nz  Ph 07 578 9416